Wales back Thomas in Toulouse row

Thomas has been branded as "ungrateful" by Toulouse

The Welsh Rugby Union has insisted that Gareth Thomas broke no rules by going on tour with Wales to Australia instead of playing for his club Toulouse.

French club Toulouse are threatening to sue Thomas for breach of contract after he missed the last games of the season.

But WRU spokesman John Williams said: "The French Rugby Federation informed Toulouse that under IRB regulations, Gareth Thomas was free to tour.

"He also sought independent advice, and that advice was very clear."

Thomas captained Wales in both Tests against Australia, becoming Wales's most capped player with 94 caps and extending his try record to 38.

I am gutted that my time with Toulouse will end like this Wales captain Gareth Thomas

But Toulouse were unhappy the 32-year-old had been selected to travel last month, saying he was under contract to play in the final league games, including the end-of-season play-offs.

The row resurfaced this week when Toulouse president Rene Bouscatel said the club intended to take legal action against Thomas, despite being told by the French rugby's governing body they were obliged to release him for international duty.

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"There will be no deal with someone who is ungrateful. I will have him," Bouscatel is quoted as saying.

Thomas was in his final year of a three-year contract with Toulouse, and has already agreed to join Cardiff Blues next season.

He said: "I am gutted that my time with Toulouse will end like this. I had a great time there and made good friends so I wanted everything to end amicably.

"I don't feel that I've done anything wrong. The rules said I had to come on the tour. I still have a lot of respect for the club and the president."

Toulouse's hopes of winning the French Championship title ended on Saturday when they were beaten 20-15 by Clermont Auvergne in the play-off semi-finals.